Residents object to former Orford fetish dungeon site plans

Plans were submitted to Warrington Borough Council's planning officers regarding the Orford Farm site, which was subject to an arson attack more than a decade ago.

The plans propose that a three-storey apartment block be constructed on the site, which would provide 50 one or two-bedroom flats.

In 2012 a fire ripped through the site, causing damage worth half a million pounds.

The site formerly housed a sex fetish club which boasted specialist rooms including a dungeon, a pigsty, a head teacher’s study, a medical room and a school room.

An artist's impression of the proposed development (Image: BTP Architects/Alderley Group)

Now, planning applicant Alderley Group says the proposed block would house 36 one-bedroom and 14 two-bedroom flats, as well as 30 parking spaces, 58 cycle spaces and a shared communal garden to the centre.

However, the plans have not been welcomed with open arms by those who already live in the area.

A number of complaints have been lodged on the council's online planning portal, including a letter from residents of Capesthorne Road.

The letter states that the residents object to the proposal as a three-storey block on the site would be an invasion of current residents' privacy, as the block would give views into current residents' gardens and homes.

It also says: "We strongly believe any buildings of this height will reduce the natural light significantly into our gardens and properties.

"We know this, as we residents have previously paid privately to maintain and remove existing mature trees and shrubs which surrounded the farm grounds in order to maintain the natural daylight."

The letter goes on to say that residents also object to any increased traffic that a development on the site could bring.

Orford councillor Claire Lloyd-Fitzgerald has raised the issue of traffic and parking with the council (Image: Warrington Labour)

Another objection raises the issue of traffic, too, and concludes by saying: "I do hope the council will reject this totally unsuitable development, and will look for housing for working families."

One of the borough councillors for Orford, Claire Lloyd-Fitzgerald (Labour) also raised issues with the proposals.

Cllr Lloyd-Fitzgerald said: "There are existing parking issues with being in such close proximity St Margaret's Primary School, this would worsen with only 30 planned residents' spaces for 50 flats."

The plans to construct a three-storey building on the site of the old Orford Farm are currently under consideration by officers at Warrington Borough Council's planning department - a decision is due by Monday, June 19.